obviouslly not the bible, but some good thoughts none the less. I don't agree with some of them obviouslly, but Tristan does make some good points ...

for example .

First, the penalties incurred for violating baseball's new drug policy can hardly be considered severe, with the first such violation resulting in treatment but no suspension. (Only upon a second such violation would a player be subject to a ban.) That's hardly the type of system that will induce radical change overnight.

Second, only two players -- Angels reliever Derrick Turnbow and Expos outfielder Terrmel Sledge -- have been officially reported as failing any sort of drug test the past year. Both players tested positive for 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone, two chemicals related to androstendione, a legal supplement in the U.S. and one not forbidden by Major League Baseball. ("Andro," incidentally, should be familiar to those who followed Mark McGwire's run to a record-setting 70 homers in 1998.)

Currently, there is no evidence any specific player in baseball is using an illegal steroid.

Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, for sure. But if I had ties with a company that has been indicted for distribution of illegal steroids--including to major league athletes--and then amazingly lost significant muscle mass in the first season that tests are tied with individuals (forget the penalties, how about image?), then you'd be suspicious too.

The MLB penalty may not be severe - but it is the court of public opinion that will come down hard on these players. Cheaters don't get great endorsement deals. There is also a ban on the second violation and if you are caught once are you not then subjected to mandatory testing?